"I've switched to a different type/supplier of bird food and now my birds won't eat it"

We hear this on a regular basis - and it's a completely valid concern. When you switch to a new bird food, you want to know that your birds are going to love it straight away but this isn't always the case.

Birds are more intelligent than most people realise and they certainly know a good thing when they see one! If your feeders are always full with healthy, high quality seeds and suet then your garden birds will almost certainly remain loyal to you. But what happens when you start using different foods?

Your garden birds are creatures of habit and they know what they like. It's the same when we go to our favorite restaurant and order the same thing each time. Yes, there are other delicious sounding dishes on the menu, but we know what we like and are often reluctant to change.

So, don't be surprised if it takes a while for your birds to switch over to a new food. To help the transition there are a few things you can do:

GIVE IT TIME

First things first, give it time. We always recommend allowing up to 4 weeks before you decide something isn't working.

Small changes in weather, temperature, and the season, can have a great impact on birds feeding. We have found that earlier on in the year, when birds are looking for nesting environments, you might find your feeders quieter. Likewise, in the summer, when natural food sources are more widely available, you may also see a lull of activity at your feeders.

MIX THE FOOD UP 

Start mixing your new food in with your old food so your birds get a taste for it.

USE THE SAME FEEDERS 

A new food in a new feeder will take even longer for your birds to switch to. Use your existing feeders.

DON'T MOVE YOUR FEEDERS 

Moving them around makes it harder for your garden birds to find.

CRUMBLE UP SUET BALLS 

If you're using a new suet ball or block we'd recommend crumbling some up on the ground or on a table as well as hanging them in your feeders. This is a good way of introducing the product to all different types of birds.

PUT SUET PELLETS ON THE GROUND 

Similarly to the above, spread new pellets on the ground and tables as well as in your feeders. High quality suet pellets should be free from wheat grains and won't cause any unwanted growth if used on the ground.